As of 20 February, 915 laboratory-confirmed cases of listeriosis have been reported to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) since 1 January.
In the reported statistics, Gauteng accounts for 59 per cent, followed by Western Cape (12 per cent) and KwaZulu-Natal (7 per cent).
“So far the outbreak has already claimed 172 lives. Unfortunately, the source of the outbreak still remains unknown,” said the institute.
Listeria is a bacterium that is naturally found in the environment – it commonly occurs in soil, water, vegetation and in the faeces of some animals.
It can contaminate a wide variety of food types, including meat and meat products, dairy products (unpasteurised and pasteurised), fresh and frozen produce (fruits, vegetables and sprouts) and ready-to-eat products. This fact, coupled with a variable incubation period that can range from six hours to 70 days, poses a major challenge in determining the source of the outbreak.
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“Various stakeholders, including numerous government departments, the healthcare sector, the veterinary public health sector, and the food industry are working around the clock to find the source of the outbreak. Specialised tests are being conducted by experts at the NICD laboratories to assist in detecting the source as soon as possible,” the institute said.
Members of the public are encouraged to practice the World Health Organization’s (WHO) five keys to safer food.
- Wash hands and surfaces before, and regularly during food preparation.
- Separate raw and cooked food, and don’t mix utensils and surfaces when preparing food.
- Cook food thoroughly – all bacteria are killed above 70°C.
- Keep food at safe temperatures – either simmering hot or in the fridge.
- Use safe water and safe ingredients to prepare food.
The institute said it was optimistic that the source of this outbreak will be found, and urged members of the public not to panic unnecessarily.
“Members of the public are urged to be vigilant all the time by observing the above guidelines and to assist health authorities by spreading the message as widely as possible. Those in doubt must consult their nearest healthcare practitioners,” the institute concluded.
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